Biological functions and clinical implications of adiponectin

Adiponectin is one of the key adipokines. Identified biological functions of adiponectin include metabolic regulation, vascular protection, antiinflammation and cardioprotective actions. Numerous clinical studies have demonstrated that adiponectin is one potential biological marker of cardiovascular diseases. In the present review, the biological functions and clinical prospect of adiponectin are discussed based on the findings of basic science and translational medicine along with clinical epidemiological data.